Tag: checklist

What’s a Perigee?

Jason3 Comments

Without getting too scientific on everyone, an exciting moment is going to happen this weekend – it’s the perigee!  What is the perigee?  It’s the point when the moon and the earth reach their closest point between each other.  The moon is going to look super huge this coming weekend, and this will be a great opportunity to really get some stellar shots of the moon through even the more common focal lengths we all have in our gear bags.  Even with a 70-200 lens and a 1.4 TC, you should be able to get some pretty awesome full frame shots of the moon, with some pretty good detail!

Here’s a couple tips to scheduling a good moon shoot:

1.  Check the weather in your area – It goes without saying that you don’t want a lot of cloud cover, but at the same time, clear skies mean no heat is staying in the atmosphere.  Since it’s still relatively early in the year, standing around at midnight could be a tad chilly.  Plan ahead, dress warmly, and you’ll be able to stay out longer to get the shots you really want without being cold or uncomfortable.

South Carolina Sky

#2.  Location, location, location – In photography, as in real estate, location can mean everything, and a lunar shoot is no exception, even though it’s in the sky.  Depending on the type of view you are looking for, you may want to find some place that gives you a completely unobstructed view of the horizon.  Alternately, you may want to include something “human sized” to give a sense of comparison.

Denver Skyline

#3.  Pick your gear – In astro-photography, you will most likely be shooting at the longest end of your reach, so don’t bother taking the whole kit-n-kaboodle.  Maybe take a variable zoom to stuff in a cargo pocket in case you want a “behind the scenes” kind of shot if going with others, but no more than two lenses are needed.  Don’t forget your tripod and extra batteries, as well as a flashlight.  Other essentials I have on my checklist include my wallet and cell phone.

What stakeouts have you planned in your area?  Taking any friends?  What about your own suggestions and tips for lunar photography?  Sound off in the comments!

Fifteen Freebies for Photowalking Fun

Jason3 Comments

On the eve of the 2nd Annual Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk, it seems appropriate to include a checklist of things you should be doing today and tonight (if you’ve not done them already).  I’d done a post like this before so this is somewhat repetitive but since it’s been a year, probably the content could use a little of a dusting.  So, here’s my photo walk checklist Round Two!

  1. Charge your batteries, and the spares!
  2. Clean your lenses, wipe them down and use lens cleaner to get everything spiffy.
  3. Decide what items you will be taking with you and what you’ll be leaving behind.
  4. Pack your gear and make a list on a 3×5 card of everything you will have.  That way you can check against that at the end of the day to make sure you return home with everything you took in.
  5. If you have a garage or other secured area for your car, try packing your car the night before, so that way you know you won’t forget anything.
  6. Speaking of cards, if you have any business cards or calling cards, take a stack of them to stuff into your pack or pocket – it’s all a part of networking, and learning from like-minded people.
  7. Since we’re on the subject of networking, with the digital world we live in, it’s often just as easy to make a few notes when you’re sitting around the coffee shop chimping your shots, so take your Blackberry, Ipod, or cell phone with you – every phone I’ve ever seen has a notepad feature.  If someone suggests a site to go to (like Canon Blogger!), you have a way to jot it down right there.
  8. A pen and paper or real notepad is a good idea.  What if you take a shot of someone and they don’t have a card or anything to write with and want a copy?  Have ’em write it down for you.
  9. Check the weather beforehand and plan your clothing accordingly.  This also means perhaps including some protective elements like towels and such for your camera gear in case there is a chance of rain.
  10. Get a good nights sleep.
  11. Verify the starting time and place for the shoot.
  12. Print out a map of how to get there, especially if the location is unfamiliar to you.
  13. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before the departure time.  This allows for traffic, and other unforeseeable circumstances.  No one wants to be the last to arrive either.
  14. Pack a few munchies (granola bars, pretzels, etc.) and maybe a bottle of water or two if you will be out away from stores and things like that – nothing ruins an otherwise fun photo walk like hunger or thirst.
  15. Have fun!

So, I’ve added a few things to the checklist – last year it was at 10, this year it’s 15.  Next year, yup, there will probably be 20!  It never hurts to plan ahead.  Here’s to a successful photo walk for everyone.  Happy shooting and we’ll see you back here on Monday!

Are you prepared for Spring to… spring?

Jason5 Comments

jasonanderson_spring2

Spring represents a time of earnest and excitement for many photographers – the dreary days of winter have faded, and the sun, colors, and excitement to get outside can inspire many of us to take off for the hills – gear in hand and ready to shoot!

The problem arises when Spring…springs!  This means sudden rainfall, and moisture is no friend to camera gear.  With probably at least a couple thousand dollars invested in gear for most of us – are you prepared for the showers that come with Spring ventures?  Here’s a couple things I keep in my camera bag during Springtime in particular:

  1. Dessicant – this chemical comes with pretty much everything these days – and you can even purchase bags of it for use to absorb moisture.  Put a few of these in your bag to help protect from drops of dew
  2. A towel – we all have microfiber clots, and these are great for glass, but what about a good old fashioned towel to brush off moisture if it comes in contact with your gear?  A small dish or hand towel can save your bacon, not to mention a $1000 body (or lens)!
  3. A poncho – makes protecting and caring for your gear a lot easier if you are dry too!
  4. Plastic bags – I get the 2-quart sized bags and put my lenses in that before stashing in my camera bag  Just another layer of protection in a multi-layered defense against moisture!
  5. Change of clothes – whenever I go out anywhere, I have a change of clothes in the car – in cold weather, it’s a pair of jeans and a t-shirt/flannel shirt, in summer a pair of shorts and t-shit, and spring jeans and a shirt

These may seem like common sense types of things, but how many do you really have laid out for when you go on an outing?  Take stock of your Spring preparedness and plan proactively if you can – it could save you many many hassles and frustrations in the long run!